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West Bromwich Albion claimed their first win since New Years Day by beating Swansea 2-1 in Wales. Stephane Sessegnon and Yousouff Mulumbu scored two second half goals to secure head coach Pepe Mel his first win at the club.

The win may have eased relegation troubles for the time being but what can the club take from the game?

The first half was disappointing and Albion got off to the worst possible start when Roland Lamah scored after just two minutes. Swansea looked far more dangerous during the first period, creating several chances and Foster was forced into a fantastic save from former West Brom target Wilfried Bony.

Despite having played the 3-5-2/5-3-2 formation before the side didn’t look comfortable playing that system and there were plenty of spaces out wide. Steven Reid and Liam Ridgewell struggled to cope in the wide areas as they were being over powered as there was little support due to the lack of winger.

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The Baggies failed to create any meaningful chances and struggled to get their creative players like James Morrison and Sessegnon on the ball. They were penned back in their own half and struggled throughout the first half.

However, credit must go to Mel and his backroom staff as the team looked inspired when they came out for the second half, with the head coach’s words still ringing in their ears. Straight away they looked more dangerous, putting crosses in the box and linking up well with one another.

In future games the partnerships between Victor Anichebe and Sessegnon will be vital. The former Sunderland man shown he can strike the ball from long range and he got himself on the score sheet. Anichebe has the power to hold the ball up and tee up team mates. They must continue their momentum into the Hull game next week to string together consecutive weeks.

Another positive was the performance of DR Congo international Mulumbu. He covered every blade of grass on the pitch, getting stuck into tackles and his man of the match performance was rounded off with a well taken goal. He broke up play well, stopping the Welsh team from creating chances of their own, easing the pressure on the solid three central defenders. He also helped stop the returning Michu from making an impact which was vital.

West Brom need to up their game from the opening whistle rather than after going a goal down. Albion have scored the opening goal in games only seven times this season and will have to stop relying on coming from behind if they are to stay up this season.

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Mel’s first win may be the most important of the season, but if it is not followed up with another next week away to Hull it will mean nothing.